ACROSS THE WATER – Cape Cod Academy sailors (in blue jerseys) compete in the Fleet Racing New Englands in Hyannis. Their third place finish earned them a spot in the Fleet Racing Nationals in Seattle.

CCA sailing heading for Fleet Racing Nationals

In 2009 a new sailing club took to the waters of West Bay in Osterville, the Cape Cod Academy Seahawks. Four seasons later, the team has not only earned its place at CCA as a full-fledged varsity sport, but also recently qualified to compete in the Fleet Racing Nationals in Seattle, WA.

This season’s adventure began April 22 when CCA placed second out of 10 teams at Tabor Academy during the O’Day Qualifiers. That qualified the team for its first-ever appearance in the New England Fleet Racing Championships held at the Hyannis Yacht Club, when the team placed third overall on a day marked by strong winds and inclement weather.

The top finish earned the Seahawks a spot in the Fleet Racing Nationals, slated for May 11-13 in Seattle.

CCA head coach Brent Jansen couldn’t be more pleased with his young sailors, some of whom are sailing in their first season.

“It’s impressive to look at the things they’ve done given their age,” Jansen said of his team, which boasts a 11-1 record, having only lost to sailing powerhouse St. George’s. “I’m impressed with how much they’ve been able to learn in such a short time.”

In an exuberant email to parents, Jansen lauded the team.

“Clearly this weekend was one of firsts,” he wrote. “Our first ever appearance at New Englands AND our first ever appearance at Nationals! For a team in its fourth year of competition, with some of our sailors having never sailed before joining, already qualifying for Nationals is remarkable!”

Jansen is especially pleased with his team’s willingness to learn and continue learning.

“I’m proud of how much they’ve absorbed, and the lessons they’ve learned and taken with them,” he said.

What remains one of the team’s strongest attributes is how well they work with one another. Jansen said the team’s attitude is generally very positive.

“They are able to move on from situations that other teams might not,” Jansen said. “That positive outlook means they go out there and have a lot more fun.”

They are also proving confident and able sailors.

“Their maturity and ability to converse with each other positively sets them apart from other teams,” Jansen said.

The head coach hopes his team’s performance will be similar to that of the New England competition.

“I feel very good,” he said. “There’s always a sleeper team. We’re clearly not the favorites, but any day you can have someone else come out on top. We’re hoping for a Seahawk Sunday like we had in Hyannis.”

Jansen is referring to the day his team sailed well enough to earn their trip to Seattle.

“This is an opportunity to compete against kids from the rest of the country,” Jansen said. “These kids are super excited.”